We all have habits. Do you know why that is? Our brains are programmed by making the same repeated choices. They turn things into a routine because it’s easier. It saves energy and minimizes risk in your life.
It’s important to know about your habits because the good habits work FOR you and the bad habits work AGAINST you.
What are some signs you have bad habits?
If your life is being run by bad habits, the signs will be clear. They show up in dysfunctional relationships, an unhealthy body, hopelessness, and many other behaviors that drag you down.
Bad habits will eventually catch up with you and lead to distressing outcomes. Look at the wrinkles on a life-long smoker. All that huffing and puffing over time puts ugly creases around the mouth. A lack of attention to your important relationships will lead to drifting apart instead of coming together. The absence of gratitude can lead to a curmudgeonly demeanor.
You can clearly see the signs if you pay attention. Are you feeling achy in the morning? Are you unfulfilled in your life? Are you having trouble concentrating? All these are reflections of your habits. What has led to achy joints, unfulfillment, and trouble concentrating? Also ask yourself what could lead to feeling comfortable in your body, fulfillment in your life, and sharpness in your mind?
Is it possible to develop a new habit?
Some recent research says that it takes 63 days to develop a habit. Can you believe it! That’s just over 2 whole months! 63 days?
Dangnabit, that’s hard to swallow.
It’s enough to cause a person to simply turn their back and walk away from this discussion.
Or, . . . you could simply believe this truth and know that creating a habit will take some effort.
It will be worth it.
If it helps, the first 21 days are the hardest. After that, you simply need to remind yourself of what you’ve accomplished during the first three weeks for another 42 days.
When you look at it as an investment, the rate of return is great! This investment of 2 months’ time will last a lifetime with very little added effort.
Give yourself until March 4th before you assess whether you’ve formed a new Habit. In the meantime, do not engage in “all or nothing” thinking. In other words, if you slip up and go back to your bad habit, simply start where you left off. You have not lost all the progress you’ve made.
Who would want to work on something for 2 months!?!
Those who don’t want to live with a bad habit for the rest of their lives!
How will you answer this question?
Here’s some help
Instead of making a New Year’s Resolution at the beginning of 2023, how about if you simply decide not to struggle every day with your bad habits? What if making your life easier were the goal, instead of wrestling with changing your behavior.
Here’s a mantra that you can repeat every day:
I can be aware of my of my bad habits
I choose to not struggle with my bad habits
I will make my life easier by having good habits
I can develop good habits
2023
In 2023, I’ll be exploring various Habits. Every week a new Habit will be presented. If you feel a Habit is something you would like in your life, you will have an explanation of what it is and what it is not along with videos, resources, and inspiration to bring it into your life. I’ll give you will have an opportunity to share what you’re learning about Habits and what is working or not working for you. Sharing your struggles and successes will inspire others!